CHRISTOPHER IRVIN

Chris started composing from an early age, his first piece, entitled 'Eine Kleine Schulmusic', being played by his school orchestra.

With a strong theatrical genesis, his music aims to be accessible and memorable. His ability to write feel-good-factor songs helped to make popular the professional pantomimes presented locally in Hebden Bridge Little Theatre 1987-94.

Recent works premiered by the Boots Orchestra, Nottingham, under conductor John Sheppard, have been an overture to the musical LOVE CHILD (2008), and a concert piece DECK DANCE (2009), reprised by the orchestra in 2010. For Christmas 2009, SOUTHWELL SLEIGH RIDE (for orchestra and audience) entertained a packed Southwell Minster. Last Christmas featured a new choral and orchestral carol there, LULLABY, HOMELESS BABY.

SOUTHWELL SLEIGH RIDE has just been included in a concert of Viennese Music given by the Platform Concert Orchestra to a packed house in Morecambe.

Other pieces by Chris have been played by the Rochdale Light Orchestra conducted by Graham Marshall. In summer 2009 at the Edinburgh Fringe, the St. Clements Wind Ensemble, London, premiered a new decet called SEA BREEZE.

Extracts of performances can be heard on the Catalogue pages. FOREST AIRS FROM SHAKESPEARE for full orchestra (premiered at last year's Pennine Spring Music Festival) is based on the original music composed for Bridge Theatre productions of AS YOU LIKE IT and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. It is presented in two 'Acts', and is partly-based on the lyrics from the plays.

Recently-completed works include a horn concerto, with a performance planned for next year, and THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL Suite for the Aspidistra Orchestra. He has just completed a new orchestral Concert Waltz, and is preparing other pieces for publication.